Errant traders - CAA nets over Rs 300m in fines

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

Co-operatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando said the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has earned over Rs.300 million on 120,000 raids against errant traders within three years.

The Minister said when he assumed office in 2010, the highest number of raids conducted by the CAA was 4,000 a year. However, the CAA had conducted 120,000 raids within three years following the targets given by the Minister.

In addition, the CAA also set a record by taking legal action against 40,000 errant traders within a year, the Minister told the Sunday Observer.

He said at present the CAA has gained a great deal of public support to conduct these raids as people had given tip-offs on errant traders. The Ministry has set an example by conducting raids on institutions which come under its own purview as well. When Lak Sathosa had bought some stocks of contaminated potatoes, onions and sprats, the stocks were seized by the CAA. Therefore, if a State sector institution makes any fraudulent purchase or sells any contaminated food item it will also be seized by the CAA.

The CAA conducts raids to safeguard consumer interests. One of the policies of the Ministry is to safeguard the interests of farmers and consumers.

Our intention is to discipline businessmen and provide quality goods to consumers at affordable prices. The CAA also conducts raids on underweight bread, manipulated scales and also ensures that the correct amount of petrol, or diesel is pumped at filling stations, he said.